- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Cafe Heidelberg
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
1100 S Coast HwySte 116
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-4594
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 4 pm
Sat 6:30 am - 5 pm
Sun 7 am - 5 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Noise Level:
- Average
50 reviews for Cafe Heidelberg
Review Highlights
-
"If you're really hungry add a side of the German sausage." In 3 reviews -
"...location, the weather, and the people watching were awesome." In 4 reviews -
"Overall, nice little place with an ocean view." In 5 reviews
Loading...
50 reviews in English
-
Review from Allyson D.
San Diego, CA
5/8/2012 1 photo
We originally yelped this place because it was within walking distance to the Holiday Inn on Cleo St. The prices and pictures of the food also looked like something we were looking for.
It was very enjoyable! I ordered the smoked salmon, egg, & cheese croissant. The croissant was so buttery so it melted along great with the salmon. My boyfriend got the croissant jambon and he said, "now this is breakfast!" We also ordered the mimosas to complete our meal.
The girl at the register was friendly, but with the beautiful weather, i think the cleanup of the outdoor tables could have been quicker and cleaner. Customers had to clear a table or ask for a towel to wipe down their table. -
Review from Craig F.
Los Angeles, CA
4/4/2012
Been coming here for years. A great spot to pick up some wonderful pastries and delicious coffee in the morning.
Try everything! -
Review from Amber L.
San Clemente, CA
4/22/2012
Wonderful! What a breath of fresh air. Having left the snooty and unpleasant rooftop bar at Bistro, we were hungry for lunch and a little put out. Cafe Heidelberg saved the day with a delicious hot pastrami sandwich delivered fast and with a smile. Hubby enjoyed french toast and coffee. We sat outside to avoid a loud indoor crowd, which ended up being the perfect temperature and volume - road noise is kept to a minimum by the glass fence. Awesome! A day-maker.
-
Review from Nolan R.
Aliso Viejo, CA
Updated - 3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Best coffee in Laguna! Goes great with the salmon omelet
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/17/2010
Had breakfast here a few times over the past three years during my yearly visit to Laguna Beach. I… Read more »
-
-
Review from Amne H.
Perfect brunch spot in Laguna Beach! Mmmmmm and they serve Illy coffee too. How could I ask for anything more? Enjoyed a spiced chai latte (once HUGE size only) and the california omelet (egg whites only) with an assortment of fruit, potatoes and a generous portion of avocado. My dream breakfast has come true!
-
Review from andrew w.
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm a fan so far. Yummy food and good coffee. We walk, and we sit outside so there are no complaints in that dept.
Super friendly staff as well. -
Review from Sara B.
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Expensive, but you are getting what you pay for. HUGE oatmeal, LARGE bowl of fruit!
Easy to walk and sit with the pup! Decent cup of coffee as well -
Review from Chris E.
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Terrific cafe on a corner near the south end of downtown Laguna.
You order at the counter and the food is brought to you when it's ready (which is pretty fast).
Indoor & outdoor seating is available.
Service is proactive & friendly. Food is really good - all day breakfast, burgers, salads, etc. make for a wide range of happy diners.
TIP: Park in the parking garage underneath the restaurant. The cafe will validate for 1.5 hours parking for free.
Definitely a fine find! -
Review from Steve L.
Santa Monica, CA
7/17/2011
A nice relaxing spot for us to finish up our time in Laguna Beach. Tables outside are comfortable and aren't too hard to get. My wife and I were able to grab a table with a sunny seat for her, and a shaded spot for me. Food portions are on the smaller side.
They use the compostable type of plastic cups, presumably to help reduce trash, however they use single serving plastic containers for all their ketchup, syrup, whipped cream etc. I wish they'd use the regular containers for all the condiments, as well as glass cups to help actually reduce trash... -
Review from Anita L.
Updated - 2/16/2011
Have I mentioned I love the coffee here? I only get it about once every 2 months when I visit the salon next door and I'm not a coffee drinker.
On this last visit, I also got a bagel with cream cheese and the sweet guy behind the counter asked if I would like some jam. I paused and thought about it and he said "we make it in house". Now how could I refuse that?
Turned out, that raspberry jam was absolutely delicious!! It wasn't sweet and had a nice tartness to it.
One more reason to love this little cafe!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/16/2010
My review is only of the drinks and service I've gotten here. First time I came I only got a hot tea… Read more »
-
-
Review from Joseph Z.
Woodland Hills, CA
6/11/2011
Heidelberg is my favorite breakfast spot in Orange County, and I used to go there all the time on weekends before I moved up to LA. My standard is the German sausage and eggs with fresh fruit, cut potatoes, and wheat toast with jam. It has those nice little touches that only a locally owned spot on PCH could offer, and it's only one block up from a gorgeous view of Laguna's main beach.
I docked Heidelberg 1 star because some other Yelpers have said the ownership changed, and it shows. The new menu looks more standardized, like a Denny's menu, and the restaurant isn't as pristine as it was 5 years ago. Despite the changes, I still love spending a warm weekend morning at Heidelberg relaxing at this very chill restaurant. -
Review from Nissan S.
Irvine, CA
9/11/2011
Food is good, not phenomenal, but good. We usually order Lox + Bagel and an Au Lait. We go there for the boardwalk dining and view of the water. It's a relatively inexpensive (for Laguna Beach) Sunday breakfast date. I'd give this place a 3.5 star if possible. Parking is free on the weekends.
-
Review from Joe M.
Dana Point, CA
7/28/2010
I only stop in to pick up a pastry item or coffee on my way to work. I realized and questioned that they charged me sales tax on a non-heated, to-go item. That violates the California Board of Equalization's rule as defined in their Publication 61, Section I Necessities of Life, Subsection A Food. http://www.boe.ca.gov/...
I asked the sales clerk about it when I discovered it one day last week. She said the new owner told her to collect sales tax on everything, that his tax preparer said it was "easier."
That infuriated me that I was being charged tax on a non-taxable item!! I'm seriously considering writing a letter to the owner and cc-ing the BOE. I know the sales tax isn't on a $50,000 new car, but I feel so over-taxed on everything, user fees, income taxes, sales taxes, administrative fees, processing fees, documentation fees, etc etc etc ad infinitum et ad nauseum!
Add to the tax oppression within which we conduct our daily lives the arrogance of the store owner who would rather we pay extra for something we are not obligated to pay for because his tax preparer said it is "easier" for them.
I never thought their bakery was head and shoulders above the rest, unlike Pain du Monde or Rose's in CdM, but all combined, I will not return to Heidelberg.
P.S. - I want my 14 cents back. -
Review from Mik Z.
Atlanta, GA
1/3/2009
The first time some friends recommended this place, I thought "Uh...what? I can't even pronounce the name of the place, and my confidence level in German breakfast foods is probably not what it could be." But, these friends are foodies, so we gave it a shot. It was knock my socks off wonderful.
The omelettes are amazing. The potatoes are fantastic. The toast with jam is great. I have never asked for more jam so many times in my life.
I drive by this place all the time as I live in Laguna, and though I always think I can make it by without stopping for a Healthy Harvest muffin and some Illy espresso, each time I find myself digging in my purse for a quarter for the meter so that I can run inside. The muffins run out frequently, and at one point I left feeling somewhat hostile because they were out. It was at that point that I realized how much I love this place!
They use Iily espresso...yum! My life changed when I first tried their macchiato. I love macchiatos...and theirs is the BEST. Ask for a little caramel drizzled on top. Spectacular!
It is a bit overpriced for breakfast, but I think it is totally worth it. -
Review from Cliff C.
9/2/2009 1 Check-in Here
I'm always in search of a good breakfast place, so when I happened upon Cafe Heidelberg a while back I wondered how I could have missed this nice little spot for so long.
It doesn't have a huge selection, but what it does have tastes great. I usually get an omelet with cheese, spinach, mushrooms and ham. They all come with homestyle potatoes, two small slices of artisinal grain bread (with killer homemade berry jam) and a couple pieces of fruit. If you're really hungry add a side of the German sausage.
My wife really likes the bagels with smoked salmon, which come with cream cheese, diced red onions, capers, and lettuce and tomato. The salmon is always top notch and fresh. She's always happy with it.
Heidelberg also has a nice croissant with eggs, cheese and ham that never fails to please. Like I said, pretty much everything here is good, especially when coupled with a large cappuccino or coffee. They also have Orangina, which adds to the European ambience.
The only downside is that Heidelberg is a little on the pricey side, but I figure that comes with the location, which, if you sit outside on the far-right hand side of the patio (facing the cafe), gives you a nice little view of the Pacific from your table.
As you can expect, weekend mornings are crazy busy, but if you do get a spot outside, be sure to kick back and enjoy your little bit of Euro-vibe right here in Laguna before facing the real world. -
Review from Devon B.
Aliso Viejo, CA
If I lived in Laguna Beach, I'd walk to cafe Heidelberg to read the paper or meet up with a friend over coffee. It's so charming and quaint, with a lovely patio great for people watching the artsy fartsy of the city. I ate here a couple years ago, and I still remember what I had - the warm duck salad. Delicious. The cafe is a local gourmet treasure that isn't over-presumptuous.
This time, we went for breakfast. I indulged in a cherry and cheese Danish and a hazelnut latte while I waited for the main entree. I told my husband we should get the pastry to share, but really I just couldn't pass up trying something sweet and felt guilty about eating it all myself :) It was good, but a little bit more on the soft side, rather than the flakiness I look forward to in a croissant.
I had the potato pancakes. They were like fluffy pillows with a crispy exterior. On the menu it said it came with applesauce, sour cream and fruit. I always set my expectations low for some under-ripe melon and grapes, but instead I found a beautifully arranged selection of apples, orange, strawberries, kiwi and pear. The pear was under-ripe as it turned out - but everything else was fantastic.
My husband had the eggs Heidelberg - perfectly poached eggs served over a generous portion of smoked salmon, roasted cherry tomatoes and whole grain toast. After licking our plates clean, we made it outside just in time to catch the free trolley to the Festival of Arts...perfect. -
Review from Heidi M.
12/8/2008
Great coffee/breakfast hangout. It's a read the paper, relax and chit chat kind of place.
I usually get a "bagel" scarmble or a croissant/egg combo. THeir pastries are great - I really like the chocolate croissant. The fresh fruit garnishes are a nice touch as well.
Getting a table can be a competitive sport at times, but the turnover is not too bad.
There is usually street parking available, however there is an underground lot attached and a parking lot out back that spills on to glenneyre. -
Review from nita m.
2/15/2009
Awesome food with an ocean view!
The omelets are hella good. There are both meat & vegetarian options, they come with toast & fruit & potatoes, and most importantly they are big. My boyfriend really likes the hot & spicy omelet: veggies, ham, chilies, and salsa on top. There are a few vegetarian omelets, one of which comes with sun dried tomatoes & fresh avocado on top (bomb!). The potatoes are grubbing - a crispy crust on the outside, soft on the inside, and seasoned with parsley. The toast is thick & delicious, and their (homemade? if not, I need to know the brand) jam is amazing. The jam tastes like pie, it's that good. yummmm. The potato leek soup is super thick & creamy, and it warms you to the bone. It's served with cream cheese & onion-covered bread that's broiled to deliciousness. It's especially tasty when dipped into the soup.
Basically this place is awesome. You will be satisfied & happy in your stomach. It's not cheap, but you get what you pay for. -
Review from Matthew R.
Las Vegas, NV
5/7/2009
Cafe Heidelberg is a charming, fun little breakfast spot. The menu is fairly limited and a tad on the pricey side, but what they do make is executed well. While the omlettes definately looked appetizing, I had the Lox and Bagel plate. The cream cheese was freshly made, the bagels were tasty and the lox was fresh and delicious. There were a number of pastry options I wanted to expolore but didn't have the room. Additionally, they make a full array of coffees and teas for consumption.
Overall, Heidelberg is a perfect neighborhood destination. Would I seek it out if I wasn't in the area though? Probably not. If you do like al fresco dining, they have a nice little patio that fronts Coast Highway and looks down toward the water. -
Review from Erin L.
Novato, CA
2/16/2008
The best breakfast in Laguna, in a comfortable and unpretentious setting. Heidelberg rocks!
I've been coming here for many years now and never get tired of this charming little cafe located right on PCH in the heart of Laguna. It's an excellent spot for both breakfast and lunch, offering a varied menu of unfailingly delicious dishes. Step up to the counter, order and pay. Then, try to find a seat and wait for your food. Despite how popular and crowded this place is, service is generally fairly swift.
The real trick here is deciding what to order. It's all so good! One look at the pastry case and I'm usually sold on the muffins and specialty pastries.... but if you'd like something a little healthier, the egg dishes here are fantastic. Omelets, scrambles, poached with salmon... yum! For that wicked hangover, dive right into the waffles, topped with strawberries and whipped cream. The fresh squeezed orange juice is amazing, the coffee is reliably good. But it's not all about the breakfast-- Heidelberg has wonderful lunch options as well. I love their grilled chicken sandwich with cheese and avocado. The salads are always fresh and filling. You really can't go wrong.
If you're here on the weekend, be prepared to wait for a table, especially one on the patio outside. These are great people-watching seats, and on a sunny Laguna day you'll never want to vacate your spot. -
Review from Jessica M.
Irvine, CA
10/1/2009
THE BEST.
When my husband wants to get on my good side...he'll tell me he's taking me to Heidelberg for breakfast. I LOVE this place!!
They've just upgraded their patio to have an awning, so more shady spaces! It's located right on Coast Highway and you can take a stroll on the beach after or before (to work up your appetite)
I highly recommend the California Omlett for breakfast, and their Grilled Chicken Salad or Sandwich for Lunch. Their soups are always delicious and fresh...the pastries outstanding. And the Service is always good. I've been here hundreds of times. I'm very picky...and I've never left dissapointed.
A true Gem. -
Review from David W.
1/9/2010
This place is about average. I had their hot and spicy breakfast wrap, and it was good, but not great, which is below my expectations since it cost $8. The worst part is I feel like whoever makes the wrap never actually ate one.
Either the eggs or beans or something in there is way too soggy. So the first bite into the wrap is good, but quickly the bottom of the wrap gets drenched and starts leaking. That'll give you about another minute before the whole wrap just falls apart because the wrap can't deal with the sogginess. Next you'll have to break out your knife and fork to finish it unfortunately. -
Review from Janet D.
San Diego, CA
8/25/2011
Ended up here for breakfast and wouldn't go back. Eggs were overlooked, so were the potatoes. The 7 grain bread side was good but overall, not a great breakfast.
-
Review from Hank G.
Long Beach, CA
5/25/2009
Was looking for a nice little breakfast place in Laguna to meet a friend so came to check out places of YELP, of course.
Thank you fellow reviewers, as Cafe Heidelberg was exactly as is was described.
Nice menu with a little something for everyone. Eggs Heidelburg was good fare. There version of eggs benedict. Salmon was nice and fresh, egg perfected poached on nice crusty french bread.
Friendly, interesting, Saturday morning crowd, mixture of runners who had just done a few miles, cross-word puzzle/newspaper readers, and groups of friends of all ages comingling on the patio outside.
Nice location and easy to get to. Looks of delicious looking bakery items, but didn't try any. And the perfect distance from downtown for a little stroll with easy parking in the neighborhood.
Overall, nice little place with an ocean view. Great to meet friends or just regroup on a weekend morning with a cuppa joe! -
Review from Stephanie F.
Las Vegas, NV
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good spot in Laguna for breakfast or a quick lunch. Good place to people watch if you sit outside on the patio. They also have very good passion fruit iced tea. New owners have taken over, so a few things on the menu have changed. So far, haven't been disappointed..
-
Review from Sepi B.
Irvine, CA
9/19/2009
Great place for breakfast/brunch - the view is great and it's perfect for relaxing and people watching!
The waffles with strawberries and crème fraîche is delicious. The waffle is freshly made - crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The bagel plate with tomatoes and onions is good, too. It does take quite a bit of time to get your order but they're lucky they have the ocean across the street to keep you company. Usually a good idea to order, grab a seat outside and read a magazine until your food comes :) -
Review from L L.
4/6/2010
I honestly do not get what this place is about. I came here based upon two recommendations and I was really unsatisfied. Maybe my hopes were too high and I expected more than a satisfactory meal? Either way, Cafe Heidelberg is not worth it.
The food was just okay and taste like I can easily slap it together myself at home (btw, it also looked just that. Slapped together in seconds). The prices were also high for the regular tasting food. The cafe setting is just mediocre. No fancy comfortable setting outside or inside which is surprising since they were charging that amount. The location on the other hand is decent as it is on the PCH.
I'm a huge fan of brunch, so compared to another place I tried in Laguna Hills, Cafe Heidelberg has NOTHING on the other place.
Overall, I don't think this place is all that it's hyped up to be. -
Review from Sr. Mano ..
Santa Clara, CA
4/3/2010
Saved by the jam.
Went in on a lazy Saturday morning hoping for a great breakfast and some people watching. The breakfast was just so-so. The location, the weather, and the people watching were awesome.
The biggest negative -- the coffee. Weak. As in, "Why is this coming out the color of watered down iced tea?" I went back after a fresh pot was brewed, and the weak coffee was not simply one errant pot. Can' vouch for the espresso-based drinks.
The signature "Eggs Heidelberg," salmon on goats topped with poached eggs and grilled tomatoes was pretty good. The poached eggs were a tad too done for my taste (prefer a little yolk to run), but it's hard to recover from crappy coffee when you're talking about a breakfast spot.
They gained back a star for the location. Right on PCH with a view of the joys of Laguna Beach strolling, rolling, or stumbling by. -
Review from Malissa B.
Irvine, CA
Love, love, love this place!! Good food, fun people, and amazing view.
-
Review from Elizabeth R.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2010
This place has great breakfast burritos and salads! The owner is from Europe and this is reflected in the menu and vibe of the cafe. It is a wonderful place to sit outside and people watch on a nice day (most days in Laguna!). I once ordered the corn chowder and to my surprise the chef whipped it up from scratch, just for me; it was truly delicious! Avoid the chai.
-
Review from Heather J.
Laguna Beach, CA
8/9/2010
GRRRREAT service! Yummy food! Annnnnd $3.00 Mimosas on the weekends! Score! ;) The spicy breakfast wrap was really delish too!! NOM NOM NOM!
-
Review from Erin G.
Los Angeles, CA
1/2/2011
One of my fav spots for a lovely, relaxing breakfast/brunch. What's better than tasty food, a seat outside with a gorg view of the ocean, and perhaps a mimosa? Also the patio is dog-friendly so you can bring your puppy friends to dine with you.
-
Review from Ty L.
Laguna Beach, CA
7/6/2010
Awesome food! and kind service. Food is excellent I had the california omelet it was so good. The fresh avocado slices was quite a good pairing with the egg and cheese. The raspberry puree or jam they use for the toast is so good! Can't wait to go back.
-
Review from Quita H.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2010
This little cafe in Laguna is easily missed unless you are looking for it. With plenty of metered street parking, you can surely walk to Cafe Heidelberg. Cafe Heidelberg is a no frills, chill spot for breakfast and lunch. You can easily read the paper, enjoy the sunshine, and have a relaxing cup of tea/coffee. The fruit salad comes submerged in orange juice, a very very yummy way to serve it. The coffee is nice and strong, just the way I like it! Cafe Heidelberg, you are delightfully simple and very satisfying.
-
Review from Brian G.
Laguna Beach, CA
10/16/2010
Excellent breakfasts served all day! Can't comment on the lunch menu but why would anyone want lunch when you've found a place that will serve you a great breakfast instead? Outdoor seating, nice atmosphere, service akin to the soup Nazi from Seinfeld but the food is worth the effort and as long as you behave and follow the rules you should be okay. LOVE the Salmon Bagel and the Croissant w/Egg dishes but all the food is of high quality and in more than 20 visits I've never had a bad meal here.
-
Review from Nicole W.
Aliso Viejo, CA
1/10/2011
saturday morning ritual typically consists of breakfast at zinc cafe. this weekend we decided to venture off our beaten path & try cafe heidelberg [because we love south africa & a friend recommended it].
although the service was fantastic and the food was prepared in a few short minutes, the overall experience was less than we had hoped for.
the decor is in desperate need of a re-vamp; it feels a bit like a cafeteria rather than a clean restaurant. i do believe in second chances, but it would be hard for me to return to this cafe. -
Review from Michael A.
Costa Mesa, CA
1/20/2008
I'm not a breakfast food person. I grew up ordering a cheeseburger with fries at breakfast while my family ordered pancakes, eggs, etc. However, I am always open to trying new places. So when I lived in Laguna Beach, I would frequently go down to Heidelberg for coffee and muesli while the now defunct girlfriend would order everything else. This was always a great place to relax with coffee and newspaper and watch the fog slowly lift.
-
Review from Sopla R.
Los Angeles, CA
9/25/2010
Here we go again...charge sit-down restaurant prices for do it yourself dining..I get it. You don't have $ to pay service staff.. but if that's the case.. then don't charge me the same prices as other restaurants do. OK???
We stopped in here and ate outside.. I had the "german sausage breakfast.. and ordered my eggs OM and my hubby had the bacon and eggs..while they were both were pretty good overall for the price.. and those potatoes and bread were REALLY GOOD! would I go back? No. why? because I don't want to stand in line for anything except pastries and coffee.and your german sausage was very lackluster.. was it turkey german sausage? I dunno... but yeah, you lost me at "serve yourself"...
take my advise... have that guy busing tables actually take orders..tell folks clearly to order pastries and beverage "only" at the walk up.. just sayin' -
Review from Mark H.
Laguna Beach, CA
9/25/2010
Nice little Cafe in South Laguna. Great service, excellent food!
-
Review from Don L.
Sacramento, CA
11/18/2009
Not so much... I usually get some breakfast pastry, like breakfast croissant, and I am always less than pleased. I haven't had everything on the menu so they might be better than I'm giving them credit for, but what I have had makes it difficult for me to want to go back.
